The interfacial characteristics between bioactive glass (4555 Bioglass(R)) surfaces and poly(alpha-hydroxyacid) melts have been assessed by direct wetting measurements. In particular, the wettability of ... [more ▼]

The interfacial characteristics between bioactive glass (4555 Bioglass(R)) surfaces and poly(alpha-hydroxyacid) melts have been assessed by direct wetting measurements. In particular, the wettability of Bioglass(R) powder by poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was assessed by imbibition measurements. Additionally, the equilibrium contact angles of PDLLA and PLGA melts on a sintered Bioglass(R) surface were measured. The surface energy of the bioactive glass and the polymers was determined from contact angles measured using various test liquids on PDLLA, PLGA and Bioglass(R) solid substrates. There are sufficient adhesive interactions between the polymers and Bioglass(R). A simple heat treatment of the bioactive glass in an inert gas atmosphere leads to an improved wetting behaviour, indicating increased adhesive interactions. Scanning electron micrographs of the polymer+Bioglass(R) composites formed by polymer penetration into the powder bed show the formation of a 'good quality' interface. [less ▲]